Today was a quiet day for Beverly. This was the first night in a regular hospital room and it was quiet and dark. This would have been good for sleeping except for the fact that when she rang her bells for the nurse, they didn't hear and never came. (She can't push the call button so wears bells on her arm to alert the nursing staff when she needs something and the sisters aren't there.) This resulted in a frustration night from 2am until 7am. Chris had stayed until around 1:30am, making sure Deedy was sleeping soundly before she left for the night. Soon after Chris left, Deedy woke up and couldn't get the attention of the nurses. She finally did after 1/2 -1 hour and didn't sleep well after that. Consequently she was sleepy most of today.


As mentioned, we may not continue these daily updates, but will certainly keep you informed of any significant change or information you may want to have. So we thought we should give a current status of her situation. She has now been off the ventilator for one week. She still is using the "flow-by" oxygen cuff which gives her a little extra oxygen but we don't really think she still needs it. She continues to have daily breathing medications and treatments, about every four hours. She still doesn't have much of an appetite and supplements her meals with Ensure and protein powder 3-4 times a day. She is continuing to gain strength in her arms and shoulders but cannot make a fist, squeeze or hold anything in her hands without help. She has feeling throughout her entire body but cannot move anything below her chest area - yet. Her vital signs remain in the acceptable range. She should continue to have physical therapy and occupational therapy each weekday, getting ready for rehab. She has days when her attitude is great and other days when she seems very lethargic. And who wouldn't be after this life changing accident. Your prayers, emails and cards always perk her up and make her day much better. She wants to know you haven't forgotten her.

One good thing about today: she enjoyed another visit from Susan, Luke, Levi and Sarah (Pauletta's daughter and grandchildren). Luke, Levi and Sarah live in Tahlequah near Deedy so they have spent much time with her over the last several years ,and sleep-overs at Aunt Deedy's are some of their favorite memories. Pauletta told us that after Sarah's first visit with her beloved "Aunt Deedy" this weekend, she came back to Pauletta and Steve's apartment and typed this email to everyone in her email address book (Sarah is 11 years old). So when Pauletta received it, she wanted to share it. Beverly has played a huge role in Sarah's life, as she has all of her niece's and nephews children.

Hi I am visiting my Aunt Beverly in the hospital. Please pray for her. She was helping with the disaster relief after hurricane Gustav. She fell off of a 6 foot high trailer and broke her neck and she is still recovering. I will be very happy if you do. She cant move her legs at all yet but she is doing much better. You can look up her story and everything at www.voilesfamily.com She was a nice, giving and helpful person. She was helping someone and got hurt in the doing. I love her. She is the sweetest and most blessed person in the world. Please spread the news to people because she needs our prayers.


-Thankyou


Sarah Littlejohn